ALBUQUERQUE - The New Mexico VA Health Care System and an Albuquerque nonprofit group have announced plans to provide housing for homeless veterans recovering from alcohol or substance abuse.

New Mexico Oxford Houses said Monday they are working with social workers through an informal agreement to place the veterans into a northeast Albuquerque home that will eventually house eight residents.

Jeff Hunt, an Oxford House Outreach Services representative, says under the program residents will run the house as a small business. Instead of a limited residency for a specified time, Hunts says veterans can remain in the home for as long as they remain sober, pay their own rent, and follow other house rules.

Albuquerque has eight other Oxford Houses, but this will be the first dedicated to veterans.